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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Ross Pilcher

Charlie Nicholas hails Celtic 'risk taker' Ange Postecoglou as he makes Rangers prediction

Charlie Nicholas has hailed the style of play "risk taker" Ange Postecoglou has implemented.

The Celtic boss has recovered from a rocky start to start blowing teams away in the Premiership as the Hoops have racked up the goals along with the points.

But his biggest test comes this Sunday when they travel across the city for a first Old Firm showdown with Rangers.

Nicholas admits the fixtures have been kind to Celtic so far, but they have the momentum going into the derby against an Ibrox side that hasn't got near the heights of last season so far.

He wrote in his Express column: "On Sunday, Ange Postecoglou gets his first taste of the derby against Rangers.

"I don't think Postecoglou has any philosophy other than to go all-out and win matches.

"The recent run of fixtures have been kind, but he has got the results and in a style that's exciting for fans to watch.

"Celtic are playing with passion, penetration and pace right now.

"These three elements are what his team is all about.

"He is a risk taker. His players have to take responsibility, but it is not set in stone.

"Postecoglou wants to play on the front foot and that is what is making it so exciting for Celtic fans just now.

"They are dominating the ball against the likes of St Mirren, but will they be given that time and space against Rangers?

"His defence has done well but it hasn't been tested that much in recent games.

"Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh have done well, while recent signing Carl Starfelt looks the most vulnerable.

(SNS Group)

"Postecoglou hasn't got a lot of headaches, as it stands, and I don't think he will change anything against Rangers.

"Gers boss Steven Gerrard has to address more questions than Celtic just now. Rangers' success last season was built on their solid foundation, but at the moment they don't look convincing defensively.

"And will Ryan Kent turn up for the derby?

"Meanwhile Kyogo Furuhashi has brought something special to the Celtic attack, while Ryan Christie and Liel Abada are in good form.

"That's why I can see Sunday's clash at Ibrox being a classic.

"I can easily see it ending up a four or five-goal thriller.

"And if I was pushed to make a prediction I'd go with a 2-2 draw."

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